Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT): (if equipped)

The dual clutch transmission is an automatically shifting manual transmission. It delivers the driving feel of a manual transmission whilst providing the convenience of a fully automatic transmission.

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  • Engage the brake pedal and the lock release button when you shift the gear.

  • Press the unlock button when you shift the gear.

  • You can shift the gear shift lever freely.

Dual clutch transmission operation

For smooth operation, engage the brake pedal when shifting from N (Neutral) to D (Drive) or R (Reverse).

WARNING

  • Always check the surrounding areas near your vehicle for people, especially children, before shifting the gear to D (Drive) or R (Reverse).

  • Before you leave the driver’s seat, always make sure to shift to P (Park), fully apply the parking brake, and start the vehicle from the LOCK or OFF position. The vehicle may move suddenly and unexpectedly if you do not take these precautions.

  • In manual shift mode, use caution when shifting from a higher gear to a lower gear on slippery roads. This could cause the tyres to slip, which may result in an accident.

NOTE

  • To avoid damaging your transmission, do not accelerate whilst in R (Reverse) or in any forward gear position with the brakes engaged.

  • Do not shift from N (Neutral) or P (Park) to D (Drive) or R (Reverse) when the engine is above idle speed.

  • When stopped on an incline, do not use engine power to keep your vehicle stationary. Use the service brake or the parking brake.

  • Do not rely on the transmission to keep your vehicle parked on an incline. Use the parking brake.

TIP

If there is a transmission failure, the gear position indicator on the instrument cluster blinks, and your vehicle may not move. If this happens, have your vehicle checked by a professional workshop. Kia recommends that you visit an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.

Characteristics of DCT

The DCT feels like driving with a manual transmission with the ease of a fully automatic transmission. Unlike a traditional automatic transmission, you can feel and hear the gear shifting with a dual clutch transmission.

  • Shift to D (Drive) for fully automatic gear shifting, similar to a conventional automatic transmission.

  • Dual clutch transmission uses dry type dual clutch, which is different from the torque converter of automatic transmissions and has better acceleration performance when you drive. However, the initial launch may be a bit slower than an automatic transmission.

  • When you rapidly accelerate from a low speed, the engine could rev to a high rpm depending on the driving conditions.

  • For a smooth climb uphill, engage the accelerator pedal smoothly.

  • If you release the accelerator pedal whilst driving at a low speed, you may feel a strong engine brake, which is similar to a manual transmission.

  • When driving downhill, use SPORT mode to shift down to a lower gear to control your speed without engaging the brake pedal excessively.

  • When turning the engine on and off, you may hear clicking sounds as the system goes through a self-test. These are normal sounds for DCT.

  • Always come to a complete stop before shifting to D (Drive) or R (Reverse).

  • Do not put the shift lever in N (Neutral) whilst driving.